Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

• 

  My second Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By BC - May 24 - 2:13 pm

  This was my second Tribute having turned in my 2001 Dx for the more luxury ES.Does most things well excpt,sucks gas,13to18mpg,and Continental tires suck big time.Biggest piece of garbage for tires,after 5000 miles they feel square and makes lots of road noise

• 

  Lovin my onyx beauty - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tina - May 24 - 6:33 am

  I just purchased my onyx black Mazda 6 hatchback just about a month ago. This is the first car I have ever purchased and I am loving it! I use my car for work so it is essential that it is very dependable.

• 

  sporty, easy to maneuver, catchy - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Mazda Tribute rocks - May 23 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle we have ever purchased. The titanium exteriorcolor is so sporty, and the interior is sportier than most sports cars. It has plenty of room, which we need with a new baby. Dont settle for less than the V-6, and check this vehicle out before looking at a bulkier, more expensive ride. The Tribute is just plain fun to drive, while the vehicle itself is anything but plain!

• 

  WOW!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By thedarkwave - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I was very unfamiliar with Mazda autos until I was recently given a Mazda 3 sedan as a rental from Hertz. My interest and curiousity was immediately piqued by just the base model rental. I decided to research the car on the internet and read good things. I then decided to visit the dealership in the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall in Thousand Oaks, CA where I got my first close up view of the S3 2.3 Litre Hatchback. I loved it at first sight. Then I drove one. WOW! So...without further delay...I BOUGHT IT RIGHT THERE...AND I LOVE IT!!! Dude, this ride comes with EVERYTHING for under $23,000.00 and punks any Lexis in its class both in performance and price!

• 

  So Much Awesomeness - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By hugekornfreak - May 23 - 10:00 am

  This car has everything i wanted and more.

• 

  BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By DONT BUY A MAZDA 6 - May 22 - 1:50 pm

  I bought my 2003 Mazda 6S brand new. For starters, I had to get new rotors every 5K miles. They warped constantly. At 45K, I had a total of 8 new sets of rotors! They finally checked my calipers and found out I had a stuck caliper that was causing it. My transmission had to be replaced at 48K, as well as the transmission controller. The transmission started slamming from about 8K between 2nd & 3rd gear. This car has been nothing but a LEMON! I would NEVER buy another Mazda product. The dealership accused me of driving the car hard! I am not hard on a car. They could not figure it out so they tried to blame me.

• 

  Gotta Love Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ange - May 21 - 2:53 pm

  I love this car. It handles just as well as my older BMW 3 series sedan, and is much much better in the snow. So far, I have taken it through 2 snow days, and it handles great. I feel very safe in the car. I also am pleased with the way it handles in the rain. The extra features like the stereo (Bose) and the interior air bags were reasonably priced compared to other vehicles in its class. The styling is also great, its very unique looking and I get compliments all the time. I have the spoiler and side moldings that I think make the car. If you are looking for one, I feel they look much better with the spoiler.I would definitely buy another Mazda6, from a different dealership though

• 

  Black smoke on SPEED3 - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By zoomzoom19 - May 20 - 2:10 am

  I bought this attractive, powerful turbo in early August. This was my first Mazda. Within a week, I noticed black carbon build up on entire rear of the car. The exhaust was covered in black soot. The engine performance seemed fine, but I noticed even after warming up, black smoke continued. I am very gentle with the car. Ive owned 7 cars in my 24 driving yrs & Ive never seen this. Dealership agreed when I returned to have them look at it. After diagnostic testing, they confirmed w/ USA Mazda that the car was operating in normal conditions. Mazdas customer hot line and technical service reps said the same. Im looking to return this car. I d believe its normal if it was diesel.

• 

  CX-9 -Best 3row- - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By Mike - May 19 - 3:46 am

  My wife and I recently got our CX-9 Touring AWD w/premium package, and I’ve gotta say I’m thoroughly impressed. I was sort of iffy about it at first, since we have always hated automatics, but after the first test drive, we were sold. This is by far the best feeling automatic transmission ever. No jerking, awkward and inconvenient downshifts (thanks mostly to that crazy amount of low RPM torque, I know), or that weird floaty feeling that’s very hard to describe that would always make me car sick in other automatics. The engine is fantastic too. I test drove the Highlander and Pilot before getting the CX-9, and those two felt sluggish during acceleration even though they had 6-cylinder engines. They were turds compared to the Skyactiv 4-cyl. I’ve played around with all the settings and features in it, the MZD Connect, moonroof, traction/stability, the butt toaster, climate control, etc, every button and switch in there, and I have 0 complaints. No need for Android Auto/Apple Car Play, the current HMI system is very user friendly and pretty much perfect. I also tried sitting in every seat and row. At 5’7”, average build, and setting every seat at a position I would set it at, I fit very comfortably in every seat in all 3 rows. So, as long as every person in your family isn’t like 6’5”, they should fit. The Pilot had great space as well, but the interior itself was bland as hell and not very user friendly. The Highlander, on the other hand, I busted my shin and shoulder trying to get into the 3rd row (and getting out of the 2nd row with the seat adjusted to accommodate a 3rd row passenger my size, might I add), and my head was also bumping the ceiling while sitting back there. Lastly, the CX-9 is the first “tank” we’ve ever gotten, and it definitely doesn’t drive like one, unlike the other two mentioned. It’s like a Mazda3, only higher off the ground, which you don’t even notice that until a sedan rolls up next to you lol. Anyways, it’s definitely worth every penny, and you should most definitely give it a go if you’re looking to get a SUV. Heck, even if you aren’t, give Mazda a try as a brand. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed no matter which model you try out. ;)

• 

  Best car Ive ever owned or driven. - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By driverlife - May 19 - 3:37 am

  Very much improved over older RX-8s I have never owned a car that is this much fun to drive. The cars turn in ability and grip is extreme. Sometimes its hard to live with because the suspension is so stiff. But its been my daily driver and weekend warrior for more than 3 years now. I always get looks in this car. The interior is really upscale with piano black center pieces. and aluminum inserts. Its much faster than the other cars Ive owned: 98 Oldsmobile Aurora V8, 03 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V. I also currently own a 2006 civic si that is also sporty and more forgiving on the back. Its not as fast as the RX-8 and no where near the RX-8 in handling prowess.